Willa Hamersley retires from health department
Willa Hamersley and Ali Mylander from the state WIC office share a laugh during a presentation at Hamersley’s retirement part. Hamersley was director of the Coshocton County WIC office and worked for the health department for 31 years. Josie Sellers | Beacon
COSHOCTON – Willa Hamersley’s 31 years of service to the Coshocton County Health Department were celebrated during a retirement party held Oct. 30 at the county services building.
“Thank you for your time, guidance and friendship,” said Steve Lonsinger, the county health commissioner.
He joked that much has changed in the world since Hamersley started with the department in 1987, but she remained a constant and dependable part of the public health system. Hamersley’s current role with the department was director of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. She helped the department with many transitions and was honored for her hard work with a distinguished service award from the state WIC office.
“She has always had the public’s best interest at heart,” said Ali Mylander, who presented her with the award.
Hamersley will miss being part of the WIC program, but is excited for retirement.
“I liked having the opportunity to be part of a county agency that served people in need,” she said. I believe in people that needed our services and I loved my co-workers. I’m going to miss them.”
She also will miss working with Lonsinger.
“We are blessed to have him as our health commissioner,” Hamersley said. “He’s been very supportive and helped me through some pretty difficult times.”
She, however, already has a start on her retirement to do list.
“I have a lot of unfinished quilt projects, got a new toy that converts slides to digital, want to reorganize and do some home remodeling,” Hamersley said.
Cindy Hilbish took over as director of WIC on Nov. 1.
“She is going to do a great job,” Hamersley said. “I’m leaving the office in good hands.”
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